Dreams Punta Cana Resort in the Dominican Republic

This is the first Dreams resort to locate in the Dominican Republic, an all-inclusive that lives up to the name from activities to food and drink, even premium beverages which you may pay for at other all inclusives. Most of the 625 rooms have ocean views and those that don't face a tropical-jungle landscape. There is a massive swimming pool, spa with a garden, fitness center and a myriad of activities to keep everyone busy, from the kids on up. Popular opinion at TripAdvisor netted this resort Best Family Friendly Resort and Best Pool in the Caribbean honors in TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards polling.

Several buildings contain this sprawling resort's 620 rooms, all of them spacious, right and airy. Appointments in all rooms and suites include four-poster bed or two double beds; balcony or terrace with furniture, including hammock chair on ground-floor units; mini-bar with juice, beer, soft drinks and water; satellite TV; Internet access (an additional charge of $25 per 24 hours applies) twice-daily maid service; electronic safe box; and 24-hour room and concierge service.

Room categories abound, and are deluxe; deluxe family room; deluxe partial ocean view; deluxe swim-out; honeymoon suite; junior suite; master two-bedroom suite. There is also the chance to upgrade to the Preferred Club at Dreams, which is an exclusive area of exceptional service, a private lounge and preferred suites with views and outdoor Jacuzzis that gets you daily continental breakfast in the Preferred Club lounge as well as afternoon appetizers and fine liquors, free Internet in your suit and complimentary daily newspaper, English or Spanish.

It's nearly impossible to go hungry or thirsty at any all inclusive, but at Dreams in particular with a dizzying array of dining and imbibing options, seven eateries in all, and 10 bars of the indoor and outdoor variety. Restaurants are La Trattoria, Italian cuisine served in the resort's world cafe; Himitsu, Pan-Asian specialties (kids must be 6 and older); Bordeaux, French gourmet indoors but facing the ocean, adults only; Oceana, fresh seafood served under outdoor thatched palapa; Seaside Grill, grilled steaks, burgers and other faves served open air under thatched palapa; World Cafe, international buffet; and El Patio, a la carte restaurant featuring traditional Mexican fare.

You're never far from one of 10 places to slake your thirst (18 and older), all serving unlimited premium-brand drinks, and they are: Rendezvous Lobby Bar; Show Time Bar, near the resort theater where you can sip and enjoy live entertainment; Manatees Swim-Up Bar; Sugar Reef Bar; Veranda, coffee and light refreshments as well; Sports Bar, to drink and watch a game; Desires Music Lounge, adults only where you listen to music and move your feet, should the mood strike; Bordeaux Bar, within same-name restaurant; and Oceana Bar, also within restaurant of that name.

The activities list at Dreams Punta Cana is nearly 24 hours worth of stuff to do, day or night, including lazing by one of the biggest free-form pools in the Dominican, with its own areas for kids, Jacuzzi lounging and entertainment.

For the physically active, included is an introductory scuba lesson in the pool, snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, archery, jogging trail, ocean trampoline, Euro-bungee, tennis, biking, bocce, beach volleyball, yoga, and classes in Spanish, dancing, cooking and more. For additional cost, there is golf on two championship courses within an hour of the resort, horseback riding, a Hummer H2 experience and limo and helicopter services.

At night, Dreams explodes with music and dance, with moonlit theme parties, shows in the indoor theater, a casino open from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m., big-screen outdoor movies, and a "Dominican Tiangus" market with crafts, jewelry and art.

There is also a spa in the resort offering a wide range of treatments, massages and other delights, all at additional cost.

The Explorer's Club at Dreams is included in the all-inclusive rate, and while for kids it might be for their folks, as well, as it gives them time on their own. It was created for youngsters ages three through 12, and is fully and professionally staffed. Activities are based around nature, science and exploration, and include hunting for hidden treasure, a camping adventure, story telling, sand-castle contests and others.

The resort's Infant Club is for parents with little ones age three and under who can use a non-supervised area near the beach, which has a pool, indoor and outdoor playground, television and restrooms. Parents must stay with their kids here, but babysitting is available at additional cost.

There is also the Core Zone Teens Club, which is for kids 13-17, open until midnight and located in the sports area. It features nightly entertainment, daily activities and a huge array of sports and games. Night time they get entertainment, bonfires and disco mixers.